Choosing The Best Mattress For Side Sleepers

In our most recent survey, ‘The DFI Beds Big Irish Sleep Survey’ (conducted summer 2020), when asked what the best sleeping position is, the majority of respondents (65.3%) said that they are side sleepers.

So, with the majority of the population of Ireland opting to sleep on their side, what is the best mattress for side sleepers? As the best mattress for the most common sleeping position it could be argued that the mattress could also be classed as the best mattress in Ireland overall. (Quite a claim but true nonetheless!)

With so many mattress types available (check out our Best mattress Guide for an overview), it can be difficult to identify which one is best suited to side sleeping. There are many factors to be considered here including the materials used in the mattress, the type of mattress and how firm it is.

Side sleepers tend to put more pressure on key areas of the body such as the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles; therefore the best mattress for a side sleeper will help to ensure that pressure is relieved to reduce unnecessary aches and pains. 

Mattress Firmness

Those who sleep on their side are putting the pressure of their entire bodyweight on key pressure points as they sleep. As we’ve mentioned, side sleepers require a mattress that will alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas such as the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles, and for this reason, a medium or soft mattress is best for side sleepers.

Unlike a firm mattress, medium or soft mattresses will allow the body to gently sink into this type of mattress, providing better pressure point relief, as well as support for your neck and spinal alignment.

Best Mattress Types For Side Sleepers

As with all mattress choices, the best mattress for side sleepers ultimately comes down to personal preference, there is no one "best" option that will suit everyone. Despite this, we believe that ultimately, there are two types of mattresses best for side sleepers.

DFI Recommends:Gelflex 3000 Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress provides the support of a pocket sprung mattress system with the comfort and pressure relief of a memory foam topping layer, providing the comfortable softness for side sleepers to sink into. We unashamedly believe that the Gelflex 3000 Hybrid pocket sprung mattress is the best mattress in Ireland, not just for side sleepers but for the majority of people. It ensures body weight is evenly distributed, alleviating pressure and making it an ideal mattress for those who sleep on their side. We feel that overall, the Gelflex 3000 is the best mattress for side sleepers.

Why is the Gelflex 3000 hybrid the best mattress for side sleepers?

• Memory foam topping provides a soft, comfortable topping that side sleepers can sink into, providing pressure point relief
• Pocket sprung section provides even distribution of weight and support of the mid-section
• Pressure relief for shoulders, hips, knees and ankles
• Medium level of firmness.
• Ideal for those who sleep on their side OR back, making it versatile and ideal for partners with different sleeping positions and one of the best mattresses in Ireland (in our humble opinion)

Option 2: Memory Foam Mattress

Increasingly common in Ireland, memory foam mattresses are believed to offer pressure point relief on joint pain, thanks to its contouring properties which allow the material to fit around your body, providing firm support.

For side sleepers, this means that as you move to shift all weight onto your side, the memory foam will absorb the weight, allowing you to fully sink in and moulding itself to the natural position of your body as it moves throughout the night providing support.

Why is a memory foam mattress good for side sleepers?

• Relieves pressure relief for shoulders, hips, knees and ankles
• Memory foam changes shape to fit your body, offering firm, comfortable support throughout the night
• Available in different levels of firmness
• Ideal for those who sleep on their side, while also offering a comfortable sleep experience to various other sleep positions

So,the best mattress for side sleepers is...

It really depends! While there may be no single best mattress for side sleepers, we do feel that the 3 mattresses we have listed represent the best mattress options for side sleepers. Any one of these should provide sufficient comfort and support for a side sleeper.

Mattresses for other sleeping positions

Learn more about the best mattresses for other sleeping positions by checking out the posts below:

Best mattress for stomach sleepers

Best mattress for back sleepers